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South Korea Tours & Travel Packages 2025/2026
15 South Korea trips. Compare tour itineraries from 12 tour companies. 51 reviews. 4.7/5 avg rating.
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Top South Korea Attractions
Explore the diverse experiences awaiting you on our South Korea tour packages. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, immerse yourself in the rich culture, history, and natural beauty of South Korea.
- Visiting the city of Gyeongju, a world UNESCO heritage site where many historic statues and buildings are preserved
- Hiking in South Korea's beautiful national parks with stunning mountain views and hidden temples
- Spending the night at a temple with monks. Learn about their way of life, meditate with them, and try their delicious vegetarian food
- Taking a peek into North Korea from the DMZ border (demilitarized zone)
- Joining a traditional tea ceremony
- Tasting food — kimchi jjigae (a spicy stew), budae jjigae (literally 'army stew'), samgyeopsal (thick slices of pork cooked at your table), and gimbap (rice and veggies in a seaweed wrap) as a quick snack
- Exploring Seoul's bustling street markets like Namdaemun Market and Gwangjang Market
- Sampling local spirits. Such as soju (a vodka-like spirit), maekju (the Korean word for beer), makgeolli (a rice wine), or bokbunja (a Korean plum wine)
- Experiencing Seoul's vibrant nightlife with live music, karaoke, and trendy clubs
- Soaking at the jimjilbang (day spa / public bathhouse)
- Seeing an ancient Korean palace from centuries ago restored to its original beauty and colors
- Enjoying traditional Korean performances like music and dance shows like Nanta
South Korea Tours & Travel Guide
South Korea Attractions & Landmarks Guide
Nestled on the Korean Peninsula in East Asia, South Korea boasts a rich culture and iconic landmarks such as Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, the ancient city of Gyeongju with its UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and the tourist hotspot of Jeju Island.
Join a South Korea circuit tour to explore major Korean cities, visit Japan and South Korea on a single trip, or custom design your itinerary to visit islands like Ulleungdo, known for its rugged coastline, volcanic landscapes, and scenic trails.
Seoul: The Restored Capital
Seoul, the capital of South Korea, boasts a rich history and culture, tracing back to ancient times under various names like Wirye-Seong, Namgyeong, and Hanseong. It served as the capital from the Joseon Dynasty (1394-1910) to the present day, making it a repository of Korea's heritage.
Destroyed during the Korean War in 1950, the city underwent extensive reconstruction and restoration, blending old and new seamlessly. Today, visitors can witness this juxtaposition as they explore the city's vibrant streets. For example, Seoul's new City Hall in the heart of downtown is right across the street from Deoksugung, a Joseon-Dynasty palace.
Guided tours through Seoul offer a captivating journey through time, such as the Bukchon Hanok Village showcasing the city's evolution from its ancient roots. On the other hand, the Lotte World Tower Seoul Sky Observatory is the world's fifth tallest building and Guinness World Record holder for being the highest glass-floored deck in the world.
Busan: Korea's Second City and a Port to the World
Located 3 hours southeast of Seoul, Busan is Korea's second-largest city and one of the largest ports in Korea. Known as the ship-making capital of the world, Busan offers a cosmopolitan atmosphere and expansive beaches.
Among its cultural treasures are ancient temples — dating back over 1000 years — like the seaside Haedong Yonggungsa, offering scenic views and historical insights.
Visitors shouldn't miss the lively Jagalchi Fish Market for fresh seafood and the Sea Life Aquarium at Haeundae Beach to see marine life from a 260-foot underwater tunnel.
Get Out of the Urban Jungle!
Escape the urban hustle and bustle to discover the hidden gems of South Korea. The majestic san (mountains) are great for climbing, and hae (the sea) is great for river cruises.
Immerse yourself in the serenity of Buddhist temples nestled in remote landscapes. With various guided tours available, choose the perfect off-the-beaten-path destinations to suit your preferences and schedule.
- Jeju Island: Located off the southern coast of South Korea, it is a natural wonderland renowned for its volcanic landscapes and pristine beaches. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Jeju boasts stunning natural attractions like Hallasan Mountain, an extinct volcano with a crater lake at its summit.
- Suncheon: Situated in the South Jeolla Province of South Korea, the city is home to Suncheon Bay, a vast tidal wetland recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, attracting birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts from around the world.
- Sokcho: A gateway to the spectacular Seoraksan National Park, this charming city is renowned for its stunning natural scenery suitable for outdoor adventures such as hiking, camping, and exploring the region's rich cultural heritage.
What is the Food like in South Korea?
Korea's cuisine offers a range of flavors, from spicy stews and meat barbecues to milder dishes like tteokbokki (rice cakes) and beef bone soup. Meals often center around meat and are accompanied by rice or noodles.
Before your main dish arrives, you'll be treated to banchan (small side dishes), which you can enjoy with unlimited refills at no extra cost. Kimchi, a spicy fermented cabbage, is a ubiquitous staple found in virtually every meal, showcasing the rich culinary tradition of South Korea.
Top 5 Must-Try Dishes of South Korea
These dishes will introduce you to the flavors and unique tastes of Korean cuisine, so remember to taste them on your trip to Korea.
Bibimbap: A warm bowl of rice topped with various seasoned vegetables. Have it with a fried egg and minced beef, or keep it vegetarian. Mix it with spicy gochujang sauce and fragrant sesame oil sizzling in the clay bowl.
- Bulgogi: Thin slices of beef sirloin marinated in a sweet and savory sauce that goes great with a bowl of rice as an appetizer or can be the meal itself.
- Samgyupsal: Every Korean's favorite - thick slices of pork belly barbecued at your table, with an array of condiments, side dishes, and greens to wrap it up.
- Budae jjigae: A spicy stew that can be customized with ham, sausages, spam, instant noodles, kimchi, and vegetables. It's boiled in a large pot in the middle of your table for everyone to share.
- Tteokbokki: Rice cakes can be eaten alone as a snack or added to a stew as a meal. They're pretty chewy and have a subtle flavor when eaten alone. Most Koreans love mixing it with a spicy sauce.
What to Wear In South Korea
When visiting South Korea, being mindful of local cultural norms regarding attire is essential. Koreans tend to value modesty and neatness in fashion, so opt for clothing that covers your shoulders and avoids being overly revealing to respect local sensibilities.
Additionally, dressing neatly and avoiding overly casual attire like sweatpants and flip-flops can help you blend in and show respect for Korean culture.
Additionally, dressing neatly and avoiding overly casual attire like sweatpants and flip-flops can help you blend in and show respect for Korean culture.
Photography Tips for Your Korea Tour
South Korea is perfect for photography tours, from vibrant cityscapes to serene countryside scenes. In Seoul, capture the city's vibrant nightlife with its glowing signs in eclectic neighborhoods. For tranquil shots of hanok villages, palaces, and temples, aim for early morning or late afternoon when crowds are thinner and lighting is softer, enhancing the beauty of your photographs.
What is the Weather Like in South Korea?
South Korea experiences distinct seasons, with temperatures becoming more extreme as you head north. Summers are hot and humid, averaging 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, while winters are dry and cold, with temperatures around 27 degrees Fahrenheit.
Spring and fall offer pleasant weather for outdoor activities, although spring may bring occasional rain showers.
Does Korea get snow?
Winter in South Korea brings some snow, particularly in the northern regions where wet snow may fall in cities. In mountainous areas, there's usually enough snow for winter sports enthusiasts. However, southern regions experience milder temperatures with infrequent snowfall.
Is English Understood in South Korea?
English is spoken frequently in Seoul, but the minute you're out of the capital, you'll find it hard to meet Koreans who speak English.
Here are some essential phrases that'll help you get by:
- An-yeoung-ha-seh-yo - "Hello"
- Er-mah-yeh-yo? - "How much is this?"
- Uh-dee-ees-suh-yo? - "Where am I?"
- Hwa-jang-shil-uh-dee-ees-suh-yo? - "Where is the bathroom?"
- Kam-sam-nee-da - "Thank you"
South Korea Vacation Package
With a South Korean vacation package, you can explore this captivating destination in luxury. These packages include accommodations, transportation, meals, and activities, eliminating the hassle of booking hotels or searching for restaurants.
With everything taken care of, you can enjoy incredible experiences without unnecessary stress. Additionally, South Korea vacation packages cater to travelers interested in visiting multiple destinations, whether within South Korea or including neighboring countries like Japan and China.
Working with a South Korea Trip Designer
Collaborating with a South Korea trip designer is ideal for travelers seeking a tailored experience focused on their interests and travel style. These professionals assist in making travel arrangements and customizing itineraries, handling all the logistics.
While pre-planned tours offer opportunities to meet new people and explore South Korea in a group setting, working with a trip designer gives your visit a more personalized touch, ensuring a unique and memorable journey.
Is it safe to travel to South Korea?
Absolutely. South Korea is a remarkably safe destination, distinct from its northern neighbor. While incidents of crime such as murder are rare, travelers should remain cautious of occasional pickpocketing and scams, particularly with taxi drivers who may overcharge during the evening hours.
Is it easy for vegetarians/vegans to find food in South Korea?
Finding vegetarian options in South Korea is relatively easy — request popular dishes like bibimbap without beef and egg. Other options include tofu stew, sweet potato noodles, and green onion pancakes.
However, it's essential to be cautious as Koreans may struggle to distinguish what ingredients are considered non-vegan. Some "vegetarian" or "vegan" dishes may contain traces of fermented fish, eggs, or seafood. Inform your tour guide to arrange suitable options, or consider visiting one of the many vegan restaurants in Seoul.
What are some Korean etiquette rules I should know?
In South Korea, greetings typically involve a traditional bow rather than a wave; some might follow it with a handshake. When giving or receiving anything important, such as gifts, money, or name cards, always use both hands as a sign of respect.
South Korea Reviews & Ratings
J
Enjoyable trip, great people both on tour and the locals we met, excellent food loved Seoul and very glad I went thank you to Rob and everyone at G Adventures you provide a great holiday experience
Enjoyable trip, great people both on tour and the locals we met, excellent food - loved Seoul and very glad I went - thank you to Rob and everyone at G Adventures - ...
B
Fantastic Tour of South Korea
Fantastic Tour of South Korea.
S
My G Adventures tour was well organised and had a great variety of both urban and historical destinations
My G Adventures tour was well organised and had a great variety of both u...
Y
Great tour that showed the Korean culture and history very well
Great tour that showed the Korean culture and history very well....
K
My first time going with Gadventures and I really enjoy it
My first time going with Gadventures and I really enjoy it. The one thing I like most is the small group size and the age group of people joining is more diverse, fr...
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